Francis, Repair My Church

About-

Author John Raub's twenty-eight years as a monk changed him, sharpening his eye to see more deeply into situations with a perspective that welcomes debate, for controversy invites thought.

Pope Francis Revives Vatican II is of interest not just to Catholics, but to all Americans. Drawing on Raub's monastic experience, it offers readers startling insight into the Holocaust, presidents Roosevelt and Eisenhower, Senator Joseph McCarthy, the John Birch Society, the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War--including Raub's first-hand experience administering to the victims of the Kent State shootings--homosexuality, Obamacare, the Tea Party, the rise of hate groups, and the source of Vladimir Putin's dislike of the West.

The book features a personal letter from President Obama and an analysis of Adlai Stevenson's opinion of Norman Vincent Peale.

Endorsements & Reviews-

"John Raub's Francis, Repair My Church is a sensitive call for reform and renewal in the Catholic church today. A few prominent writers and theologians, men and women, have more recently, and courageously, challenged a conservative movement to 'reform the reforms' of the 2nd Vatican Council. John Raub now adds his unique voice to this chorus of change and renewal. His voice is gentle, not strident. His insights are compassionate, not combative. . . . May Pope Francis, and every Francis, and Frances, repair his/her Church--and mine."--Paul Milanowski, retired Parish Priest of the Diocese, Grand Rapids, MI

"From his perspective as a diocesan priest, Trappist monk, and married man, John Raub sees clearly the role of Pope Francis in retrieving important elements of the second Vatican Council that have been eclipsed during the last half century, especially the crucial role of the whole people of God in discerning the truth of the gospel--all made available for us in clear understandable language."--James J Bacik, Priest of the Diocese, Toledo, OH

"John Raub and I served together as priests in the Diocese of Youngstown. As friends, we shared the joys and sorrows of our work and were very enthusiastic about Vatican II. I feel this book reflects the wisdom gained and the joy experienced by John as a priest, a monk, and a husband. It is a story of deaths and resurrections in the church and in himself as he lived them over the last eighty years. This book reveals John's love for the church, for God, and his sense of religious life as one of service and happiness, which is exemplified by Pope Francis. It is reflective, enjoyable, and fun to read."--Carl Kish, pastor, St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Youngstown, OH

Contributors-

John Edgar Raub

Bio(s)-

John Raub has seen Catholicism from multiple perspectives: He attended Catholic schools and graduated from the University of Notre Dame twice. He became a priest and served as a teacher and principal at Catholic schools. Following his twenty-eight years at the Abbey of Gethsemani, he returned to parish life and has since been married for fourteen years. He is also the author of Who Told You That You Were Naked? (1992).